Choose flame-retardant material (polyester or nylon are both good
options); the label should say “flame resistant”.

Opt for makeup and hats instead of masks, which can obstruct your
peripheral vision.

If you are wearing a mask, make sure you can see properly, that
it’s got good ventilation, and that you’re comfortable.

Wear comfortable, safe shoes.

Don’t choose a costume that is cumbersome or vision-impairing.

Test your makeup and costume ahead of time, just to ensure that
you aren’t allergic to the formula or the fabric; ensure that your skin doesn’t redden, swell,
or becomes otherwise irritated.

Don’t wear decorative contact lenses without the approval of an
eye care professional; be sure to follow instructions and get a proper lens fit.

Accessories should be soft, light, and flexible. You don’t need
Captain Jack Sparrow’s real sword; we still get the picture.

Children 5 to 14 are four times more likely to be killed by a pedestrian/motor-vehicle
accident on Halloween than any other day of the year.(4)33% of parents talk to their kids about safety every year on halloween.(6)12% of parents report that their child ages 5 or younger is permitted to trick-or-treat
without adult supervision.(6)Only 37% of parents require their children to use a flashlight when
trick-or-treating.(6)

If trick-or-treating, travel in groups and with people whom you trust.

Avoid juice that hasn’t been pasteurized or processed (most common
commercialized products are).

Reduce apple-bobbing bacteria. To reduce dirt, germs, and bacterial,
thoroughly rinse all of the apples under cold running water before the game. Investing on a food safety
training is one great way in learning and keeping foods safe for everyone to eat.

Carve your pumpkins safely.

Markers or paint are a safer option for kids; adults should use a carving knife with care.

Protect the Children

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or a
responsible older child, and should travel in groups to discourage real-life monsters. In the
childcare industry, a childcare
training will help your employees develop the skills required in taking care and working
with children.

Teach children the essentials of road safety:

Looking twice before crossing the street,

Following traffic signals but never relying solely on them

Staying on the sidewalk or walk facing traffic (to be seen)

Create a map of a safe route and set a time limit if you won’t be
accompanying your children.

Encourage trick-or-treating by daylight; at night, make sure they stay
on well-lit streets and carry a flashlight.

Select costumes wisely:

Bright colors to increase visibility

Flame-retardant fabrics (especially since they’ll be near lit jack-o-lanterns!)

The right size (no tripping!)

Appropriate for that day’s (and night’s) temperature.

Opt for face paint; unlike masks, face paint won’t restrict vision.

Children should eat candy only after it’s been inspected by a trusted
adult.

A snack before going out will help fight the urge to nibble.

Explain that they should not eat anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.

Browse your local state website for sex offenders; almost every state
has at least one.

Look up your zip code and see if there’s a list of registered offenders.

That list should include addresses—keep your family well away from those houses.

Teach kids to stay alert for suspicious activity and to report it
immediately to a trusted adult or to the authorities.

Ensure that your kids follow these life-saving rules:

Never enter a stranger’s house.

Never to accept rides from strangers.

Never to take shortcuts through backyard, alleys, or parks.

Always stay with the group and a trusted adult.

Unfortunately, Halloween is also a prime Child Predator night. Teach kids how to
react if anyone tries to take them: to draw attention to themselves by yelling “this
person is trying to take me” or “this person is not my parent”, and to resist and try to escape at
all costs.

Pet Safety

Don’t leave your pet outdoors and unattended tonight. It’s the night
of tricks and pranks, and you need to keep it safe.

Don’t feed your pet candy. Chocolate equals poison for most animals;
candy wrappers and foil are as bad for your pet as they are for you.

If you dress up your pet, make sure the costume is comfortable and
safe. Above all, make sure your pet doesn’t find it disagreeable.